i know its each to their own but if i ever had a ferret lay up, i would leave a trap by the last hole i entered it down and block all the others to get the ferret back but i wouldnt leave any food inside just incase it attracted an unwanted visitor to set it off. i would just leave some of my ferrets bedding inside and cover the cage with a bit of old sack to protect it from the weather. luckily enough i have never had a ferret lay up as i always free feed them so they are never hungry and have no need to eat under, but they always kill under ground as i either hear the rabbits screams or see